Heath Ledger Found Dead

By: Shannon Gossage

Ledger, 28, was reportedly found dead in an apartment "inhabited by the actress Mary-Kate Olsen" according to the New York Times. Ledger was pronounced "dead on arrival" and it has been alleged that the overdose may have been a suicide. A naked Ledger was reportedly found with pills surrounding him. It has been reported that two bottles were found near him – one was a prescription bottle and one was not.

Ledger was scheduled for a massage and a housekeeper went to alert him at approximately 3:30 p.m. that the masseuse had arrived. When she could not wake him she called the authorities. NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said, "We are investigating the possibility of an overdose. There were pills within the vicinity of the bed." Foul play is not suspected. An autopsy will reportedly be performed tomorrow.

Ledger leaves behind a two-year old daughter, Matilda Rose, with ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams. Ledger and Williams met on the set of 2005’s Brokeback Mountain. They quickly hit it off and began a relationship. The two shared a brownstone in Brooklyn, but split in September 2007. Ledger was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in the film. The Australian born actor moved to Los Angeles and got his big break in "10 Things I Hate About You." He has also starred in Monster’s Ball, The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale, and most recently I’m Not There. He recently wrapped filming The Dark Knight, where he played the Joker in the sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins.